Police arrested a young man after a horrific crash left residents traumatised and a teenager badly injured.

The four-vehicle smash in 30mph Winton Drive, Croxley Green, happened at 6.30am on Sunday (September 1) with the aftermath described as “absolute carnage”.

A BMW was involved and its driver – a 19-year-old from Croxley Green – was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving whilst unfit through drink, using a motor vehicle without insurance, and aggravated vehicle taking.

A BMW was among the vehicles involved and the driver was arrested.A BMW was among the vehicles involved and the driver was arrested. (Image: Submitted)

He has been released on bail as enquiries continue, police said.

A passenger in the BMW – who is also 19 – suffered “serious and potentially life-changing injuries” and was taken to hospital.

A mum who lives nearby, whose parked car was among those hit, said she was woken by a “terrifying” noise and feared someone would be dead.

The front of another vehicle was destroyed.The front of another vehicle was destroyed. (Image: Submitted)

Reflecting on the aftermath, she told the Watford Observer: “It was absolute carnage, I've never seen anything like it, the road was full of smoke and littered with debris, people were running out with fire extinguishers and screaming and shouting.”

Pictures show the front of two mangled cars, a destroyed garden fence and a lamppost bent across someone’s drive.

A fence was broken and debris strewn across the pavement.A fence was broken and debris strewn across the pavement. (Image: Submitted)

The mum said initially she was left in shock, adding: “It’ll take some time to emotionally get over and for things to go back to normal.”

A Herts Police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact them online or via non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 41/72802/24.

Got a story? Email chris.flanagan@newsquest.co.uk